Motor Neurons

ALS is driven by a domino‑like chain reaction that begins in nerve cells

Dopamine selects, astrocytes refine: a new mechanism for motor-learning circuit rewiring

A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and risk and prognosis of motor neuron disease

A case-control study found that even low-level air pollution in Sweden may increase the risk of developing motor neuron disease. Long-term exposure was also associated with poorer disease prognosis after diagnosis.

Researchers identify a new rare genetic disease

Scientists have identified a previously unknown genetic disease, MINA syndrome, which damages motor neurons and affects movement and muscle control. The disease is caused by a rare genetic mutation in the NAMPT protein, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and foot deformities.

New study uncovers how DNA damage can lead to Motor Neurone Disease

Researchers found that mutations in the CFAP410 gene change its interaction with another protein, making motor neuron cells more vulnerable to DNA damage and cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Motor Neurone Disease and highlights potential targets for new therapies.

Cultured nerve tissue can be used in ALS studies

Researchers at Uppsala University have created a model of human nerve tissue using 3D printing, enabling the testing of new drug treatments in a lab environment. This innovation allows for more precise medicine and could potentially lead to improved treatment options for ALS patients.

A switchboard with precision: How the brain licenses movements

Researchers discovered that specific neurons in the basal ganglia make precise decisions about when to allow and stop movements, licensing the timing of movement. This fine-grained movement control has important implications for understanding neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.

New research on ALS opens up for early treatment

Researchers at Stockholm University and UK DRI have identified a common disease signature across all ALS-causing mutations in motor neurons, revealing early mitochondrial dysfunction. This discovery opens up new avenues for early treatment methods, targeting the energy factories of nerve cells before other signs of disease appear.

A step forward in treating serious genetic disorders prenatally

A UC San Francisco-led study found that delivering medicine for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) via the amniotic fluid was safe and helped prevent damage to nerve cells. The therapy used molecules called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which can alter gene expression, and was tested in mice and sheep with promising results.

ATP prevents harmful aggregation of proteins associated with Parkinson’s and ALS

Researchers found that ATP regulates protein condensation and cytoplasm viscosity, preventing harmful protein aggregates. Boosting ATP production decreases viscosity, dispersing existing and preventing future protein aggregations.

Neurodegenerative disease ALS: Cellular repair system could prevent protein aggregation

A team of researchers from Goethe University and Kiel University has discovered a way to prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates in cultured cells. The study found that linking TDP-43 with SUMO prevents its aggregation, suggesting a potential new approach for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

ALS drug effectively treats Alzheimer’s disease in new animal study

A new Northwestern University study finds that NU-9 improves neuron health in animal models of Alzheimer's disease by addressing the underlying mechanisms of misfolded proteins. The drug reduces protein buildup and prevents inflammation, showing potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Groundbreaking study reveals changes in brain cell composition and gene activity in Tourette syndrome

Researchers analyzed brain tissue from individuals with severe Tourette syndrome and identified three key changes: altered gene activity, regulatory element modifications, and interneuron loss. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the disorder's biology and may explain why individuals experience involuntary movements and ...

Brain’s own repair mechanism: New neurons may reverse damage in Huntington’s disease

Researchers have discovered that the adult brain can generate new neurons that integrate into key motor circuits, potentially reversing damage in Huntington's disease. These newly generated cells replace lost neural networks and connect with complex brain networks responsible for motor control.

ALL ALS consortium launches website to advance ALS research

The ALL ALS Consortium has recruited over 300 participants across two studies, ASSESS and PREVENT, aiming to disrupt traditional ALS research by making data and samples available worldwide. The consortium seeks to discover new drug targets and approaches for effective treatments.

Scientists map neural wiring of vocal circuits in songbirds

Researchers have mapped the long-range synaptic connections involved in vocal learning in zebra finches, uncovering new details about how the brain organises learned vocalisations. The study provides a framework for understanding how the brain integrates sensory and motor information to guide learned vocal behaviour.

MIT engineers turn skin cells directly into neurons for cell therapy

Researchers at MIT have devised a simplified process to convert skin cells directly into neurons, bypassing the stem cell stage and achieving yields of over 10 neurons from a single skin cell. This approach could potentially be used to treat patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases that impair mobility.

Researchers develop conductive gel to improve study of spinal cord injuries

Binghamton University researchers have created a hydrogel electrode that includes conductive carbon nanotubes to monitor nerve activity in spinal cord neurons and leg muscles in mice. The technology solves the problem of rigid materials causing damage during movement, allowing for long-term functionality and single-cell signal detection.

Mizzou researchers identify first-ever neurotherapeutic to address muscle weakness

Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a small molecule drug that targets a specific serotonin receptor, showing promise as a treatment for sarcopenia. The study suggests that this neurotherapeutic can improve muscle strength by activating motor neurons to fire more effectively.

How to clear the toxic tau protein that can lead to Alzheimer’s and related diseases

Researchers at USC Stem Cell discovered a gene called KCTD20 that suppresses glutamate toxicity, leading to enhanced tau protein clearance. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with tau-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Unraveling the brain’s hidden motor modules

Researchers discovered a horizontally distributed and modular organization of cortical movement units, with different types of neurons forming functional clusters in distinct regions. The study also found that the brain re-networks and adapts to learn new motor skills.

Promising results from first prenatal therapy for spinal muscular atrophy

A pioneering study demonstrates the feasibility of treating SMA prenatally using risdiplam, a drug administered to an expectant mother during pregnancy. No identifiable features of SMA have been observed in a 2.5-year-old child, suggesting a promising outcome for future research.

Mystery solved: New study reveals how DNA repair genes play a major role in Huntington's disease

Researchers discovered that mismatch repair genes are critical in eliciting damages to neurons vulnerable to Huntington's disease, triggering downstream pathologies and motor impairment. Targeting these genes may offer novel therapeutic approaches, including improving locomotor and gait deficits and reducing neuronal cell death.

Spinal cord stimulation restores neural function, targets key feature of progressive neurodegenerative disease

A new drug-free intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in SMA by gradually reawakening functionally silent motor neurons. Early results show improved leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA, regardless of symptom severity.

'Unprecedented' level of control allows person without use of limbs to operate virtual quadcopter

A brain-computer interface has enabled a person with tetraplegia to control a virtual quadcopter by thinking about moving their unresponsive fingers. This technology provides unprecedented control, allowing the user to maneuver through a virtual obstacle course and potentially enabling remote work and social interactions.

Brain map clarifies neuronal connectivity behind motor function

Researchers created a whole-brain atlas to visualize regions of the brain connected to V1 interneurons, a group of cells necessary for movement. The findings provide a framework to further understand the anatomical landscape of the nervous system and how the brain communicates with the spinal cord.

Tiny antennas on cells offer new ALS insights

A recent study suggests that tiny antenna-like structures on cells called primary cilia could be a potential therapeutic target for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Researchers have identified mutations in the C21orf2 gene, which impair primary cilia formation and structure, leading to motor neuron death.

Researchers develop personalized stem cell model ALS for fast, individualized drug testing

A new method has been developed to create motor neurons from stem cells taken directly from ALS patients, allowing for fast and individualized drug testing. The cultured ALS motor neurons had increased susceptibility to cell death, underscoring the utility of this system to identify potential drugs.

Unique motor control system of frogfish's specialized 'fishing rod' discovered

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique motor control system in frogfish's first dorsal fin, enabling their 'fishing' behavior. The study reveals how motor neurons changed location as their function shifted from swimming to hunting.

The immune cells that believe to be neurons

A groundbreaking study reveals that macrophages within muscle spindles actively participate in motor control through fast neurotransmitter-mediated mechanisms. These immune cells help fine-tune muscle contractions, providing essential feedback to the nervous system and optimizing energy use during physical activity.

McMaster University researchers uncover potential treatment for rare genetic disorders

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases, two rare lysosomal storage disorders that cause progressive damage to nerve cells. The FDA-approved drug 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) showed significant improvements in motor function, lifespan, and healthy motor neurons.

When muscles work out, they help neurons to grow, a new study shows

A new study by MIT engineers reveals that exercise can stimulate nerve growth, with neurons growing four times farther in the presence of myokines released during muscle contractions. Physical effects of exercise, such as repeated stretching and pulling, also promote nerve growth, challenging previous biochemical-only theories.

Key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS identified

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has identified a key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may prevent or slow disease progression, offering new hope for therapies.

Brain pathways that control dopamine release may influence motor control

Researchers at MIT have discovered additional brain pathways that modulate dopamine release, influencing movement and emotional decisions. The newly identified pathways appear to relay emotional information that helps shape motivation to take action.

The decision to eat may come down to these three neurons

Researchers at Rockefeller University identified a three-neuron circuit connecting hunger-signaling hormone to jaw movements of chewing. Inhibiting these BDNF neurons leads animals to consume more food and triggers unnecessary chewing motions, while stimulating them reduces food intake and stops chewing motions.

Toxic protein may contribute to ALS development

A new study found that toxic SOD1 protein trimers interact with various proteins in different tissues, contributing to cellular dysfunction and degeneration in ALS. Septin-7 is identified as a potential therapeutic target, potentially slowing or disrupting ALS progression.

Tiny magnetic discs offer remote brain stimulation without transgenes

Scientists have developed novel magnetic nanodiscs that can remotely stimulate parts of the brain, potentially treating neurological and psychiatric conditions. The devices were injected into specific brain regions in mice and triggered by a weak electromagnet, demonstrating precise control over neural activity.

HALT! Scientists decode brain mechanisms of stopping

Researchers discovered two distinct neural mechanisms, 'Walk-OFF' and 'Brake', that control halting behavior in flies. The 'Walk-OFF' mechanism inhibits forward walking by suppressing neurons driving movement, while the 'Brake' mechanism increases leg joint resistance to prevent stepping.

Research points a way to modulate scarring in spinal cord injury

Researchers at UCSF have identified a molecular pathway that controls the formation of scar tissue in spinal cord injuries. By activating this pathway, they were able to reduce scarring and promote healing in mice with spinal cord injuries.

Brain-wide decision-making dynamics discovered

Neuroscientists have discovered a global process across the brain that coordinates sensory input with motor action through learning. In trained mice, neurons link sensory evidence to action initiation, integrating information across multiple brain regions.

New research identifies potential therapeutic target for ALS

New research reveals that downregulating the enzyme EGLN2 can protect motor neurons and mitigate ALS symptoms in animal models. This discovery brings hope to understanding how to slow or prevent this devastating disease.

Two proteins identified as potential targets to improve ALS symptoms

Researchers have identified two proteins, PARP1 and histone H1.2, that interact with an ALS-causing mutant FUS protein, leading to pathological changes. Inhibiting these proteins may be a possible therapeutic target for familial ALS cases caused by mutations in the FUS gene.

Rice neuroscientists to build state-of-the-art neural recording system

Chong Xie and his team at Rice University have won a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop an implantable neural electrode system for high-resolution, long-term neural recording and stimulation. The project aims to improve the resolution of existing devices by increasing the density of neurons sampled.

Rice engineers’ probe could help advance treatment for spinal cord disease, injury

Researchers at Rice University have developed a nanosized sensor that records the electrical activity of spinal neurons in action. The sensor, called spinalNET, can track individual neurons over multiple days, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms controlling movement and sensation in the spinal cord.

Researchers identify potential therapeutic target for management of thirst disorders

A recent study found that the cerebellum plays a crucial role in regulating thirst, with the hormone asprosin activating Purkinje neurons to enhance water intake. This discovery has significant implications for managing thirst disorders such as polydipsia and hypodipsia, for which current treatments are scarce.

Take-off! Researchers map fly’s neural networks that control wing and leg movement

Scientists at the University of Washington and Harvard Medical School have discovered the neural circuits that coordinate leg and wing movements in fruit flies. The study uses X-ray holographic nanotomography to map motor neurons controlling legs and wings, revealing pre-motor neurons coordinating motor neuron function.

From takeoff to flight, the wiring of a fly's nervous system is mapped

Researchers create detailed wiring diagram of motor circuits in fruit flies, revealing complex nerve coordination for leg and wing movements. The study advances understanding of how the central nervous system coordinates individual muscles for various behaviors.

The fruit fly brain shows how simple commands turn into complex behaviors

Researchers discovered that command-like DNs in fruit flies recruit additional networks of neurons to orchestrate complex behaviors. The study shows that these networks work together to produce coordinated actions, transforming the way we understand brain signals and behavior.

The crystallization of memory: Study reveals how practice forms new memory pathways in the brain

Researchers found that repetitive practice leads to changes in working memory circuits, making them more stable and refined. The study's findings have implications for addressing memory-related disorders.

How the brain’s arousal center helps control visual attention too

Researchers have discovered that activating the locus coeruleus, a brain structure producing norepinephrine, improves visual sensitivity in non-human primates. The study used optogenetics to selectively boost LC activity, resulting in drastic enhancements in performance on a visual attention task.

The right frame determines the movement

Researchers at German Primate Center investigated how rhesus monkeys encode target positions in arm movements, finding that brain areas can switch between body- and object-related spatial reference systems depending on the task. This flexible coding is essential for developing neuroprostheses that can interpret brain signals correctly.

Real-world data fills knowledge gap to assess treatment options for infants with spinal muscular atrophy, showing improved outcomes

A study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found that disease-modifying gene therapy treatments improve motor function, bulbar function, and pulmonary function in infants with spinal muscular atrophy. The real-world data from a large patient registry confirms improved safety profiles for early treatment opportunities.

Brainless memory makes the spinal cord smarter than previously thought

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science discovered neural circuitry in the spinal cord that enables brain-independent motor learning and recall. The study found two critical groups of neurons: one necessary for new adaptive learning and another for recalling adaptations once learned.

Wired to learn and remember

Researchers at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders discovered two neuronal populations in the spinal cord that enable learning and remembering movements. The dorsal neurons facilitate learning, while the ventral neurons ensure recall and performance.

Accumulation of 'junk proteins' identified as one cause of aging and possible source of ALS

Researchers identify 'junk proteins' as possible cause of ALS, a degenerative disease characterized by motor neuron death. The accumulation of these proteins is linked to the aging process, suggesting a new hypothesis for understanding ALS.

Movement disorder ALS and cognitive disorder FTLD show strong molecular overlaps, new study shows

A recent study published in Cell reveals significant similarities between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), two distinct neurological disorders. The research found shared gene expression patterns across various brain regions, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for both conditions.

In flies, a single brain cell can drive multiple movements of the body

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that a single motor neuron in flies can control complex head movements by activating different neurons based on sensory data. This finding sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying movement and may help understand diseases like ALS.

How the brain coordinates speaking and breathing

Researchers found a brainstem region that regulates breathing rhythm, ensuring breathing remains dominant over speech. The circuit also involves premotor neurons in the hindbrain region called the retroambiguus nucleus (RAm), which are activated during vocalization.

New genetic therapy holds promise for ALS and frontotemporal dementia

Scientists have developed a single-dose genetic medicine that halts the progression of both ALS and frontotemporal dementia in mice. The treatment targets pathological TDP-43 build-ups in brain cells, which may also treat common forms of dementia like Alzheimer's disease.

Why do flies fall in love? Researchers tease out the signals behind fruit fly courtship songs

Scientists have pinpointed the group of neurons in the nerve cord that produce and pattern the fly's two major courtship songs. By analyzing neuronal activity and connectivity, researchers found a small number of critical neurons form a highly connected circuit generating the two main types of songs.